Alan Lee Muir

The first night I arrived in Joshua Tree 2012, I met the crew who was setting up the music festival that was to begin in a few days. It was my first music festival and first time visiting the desert. I was so excited. Dean Trivett took a shine to me and we stayed up all night talking about our lives and how Barnett English had brought us together. Before I knew it the sun started coming up. I looked around at all the crew tents surrounding us, realizing we were not alone. Suddenly a zipper noise was heard as the tent closest to us began to open. Out popped Rev. Al Muir saying, "Well that's a good nights rest I'll never get back!" Unaware of how sound travels in the desert, he had listened to every word of my conversation with Dean. The next thing I knew the three of us were having coffee and laughing about my messed up life story. Rev. Al told me how special of a place Joshua Tree was and welcomed me with open arms. He stated I was at the right place at the right time and soon my mind would be right too. Years later those words became my "Bill from the Ville" mantra.... "Right Place, Right Time, Right Mind". I watched and documented Dean, Al and the crew working cohesively building the festival infrastructure. It was amazing to see so much love and positivity pouring out of their souls. They worked hard and played hard together as one big happy family. Rev. Al and Dean made sure I had all I needed to survive 3 days of music in the hot sun. I did, but just barely. Sleep deprived, emotionally exhausted and overwhelmed with waves of euphoria, I headed back to Barnett's home after the festival. The closer I got to his home the more overcome with emotions I became. Tears streamed down my face as I tried to park my car. "You can't park here!" was a consistent theme I heard at the festival from Al and Gareth, the World's greatest parking boss. Now I could hear them in my head as I tried to find a place to park at Barnetts. I remembered there being shallow graves around his property that previous tenants had dug for dogs. I was compelled to clean up the area and create the best pet cemetery ever. It was 112 degrees as I began lifting heavy rocks to surround the graves with heart shapes. Then I raked the sand and groomed the exterior with branches from a near by tree. It took hours. I got even more emotional and dehydrated, then I saw car pull up. It was Dean and Al checking in on me. They stood there stunned at my work and asked If I had any water or food lately. Unable to speak and crying while holding a big rock, I nodded NO. They tried to get me to come with them to eat and rehydrate but I was on a mission and compelled to create a good resting place for the pooches. They left but returned later, this time with food and Barnett who headed towards the pet cemetery I was making. I thought to myself, I am in trouble now and must have parked in someone's way again. Instead Barnett put his arms around me and told me what a great job I was doing. He then said, "why don't you come in with me, Dean and Al and get rehydrated, then you can come back out to play with the rocks." I reluctantly agreed. Dean and Al continued watching over me as I attended 4 more festivals. Extending my stay and original plans every visit. Rev. Al and I continued to get close on FaceBook and began chatting regularly years ago. He offered his wisdom and advice on a variety of subjects that included some major lifestyle changes. His positivity and sense of humor is what I will miss the most. No matter what, Rev. said it was alright. Even his battle with lung cancer. He reminded me that life is short and there might not be that many more festivals to attend. Sadly he was right. Before his passing I told him I wanted to share the Pet Cemetery story in my book. He was so supportive and told me it would be a best seller. We talked every Friday until his voice left, then texting took over. We shared photos, laughs, stories and recipes for eggs Benedict, his favorite made by his daughter Peggy. Tomahawk steaks were another favorite of Al's. After Dean's tragic passing, Al sent me photos of the marker he helped put in place. It reads "Kind and Caring friends-Will Never Be Forgotten" That is the perfect words to end this tribute to Al. I feel a sense of peace knowing Al, Dean and Jackie are reunited in the heavens...still watching over me. Rest in peace my kind and caring friend...until we meet again. Love, your second favorite Kentucky buddy, "Bill from the Ville".

People Helping People Al Muir was a lot of things, to a lot of people. Father (Peggy & Sarah), friend to so many, Reverend (non-denominational, of course), listener, Veteran (two tours in Vietnam), builder, mentor, cake lover (pie would suffice), fixer of all things and a riotous raconteur. The cat could tell a tale. Hilarious and spellbinding. His drawl and cadence were, well, uh….one of a kind. He was my number one running mate, go-to friend, ride or die kinda guy, who would be there to help me out, no matter what was going down. If I was in a tight spot, he was the first person I’d call. And I called him hundreds of times over the past 24 years. It’ll take me all of my remaining years to pass on the favors that he’s done for me. When and Where But I wasn’t the sole beneficiary of his unselfish will and his deep resolve to help others. Far from it. He was a big brother, father figure and friend to scores of folks who’ve worked shoulder to shoulder with him over two decades at the Joshua Tree Music Festival. He loved this community so much, that he’d moved here permanently by 2011. His largesse went beyond the JTMF fam; he also worked with the dynamic duo at Pappy’s and with the Karl family of Integratron fame. “Rev Al was an incredible friend and brother, leaving a lasting impact with his strength and love. We cherish his memory and the profound influence he had on our lives.” Joanne Karl, Integratron When the Mojave Rattle Skaters roller derby team formed in 2012, Al became their biggest supporter. “He never missed a bout, helped with drills, set up and break down, and boosted morale just by being there.” Chris Feltges (skater) “Al was the most dependable person on the team, and he was our biggest fan and cheerleader.” Shea Cline (skater) Al quietly helped so many. I would call him from time to time, if I knew of someone in need. A senior who’s swamp cooler needed repair, medical emergencies, roof caved in, homelessness, addiction, death and more. Each time I’d explain the situation, and what was needed and why. Trying to sell him on rallying to lend a hand. Which was not necessary. These calls happened so often, that when I started explaining the sitch, he’d cut me short with, “when and where.” The details were unimportant, he was down to help. If I continued to ramble on, I’d get “uh, I uh, already said put me in coach.” Best Day of My Life, Thanks for Asking. Al could turn someone’s day around with those eight words. I witnessed this so many times. Someone would ask “how’s it going?”, and he’d give that reply in a truly earnest fashion, with wide eyes and smile. He’d pick his spots to use this reply, dropping it on someone who was a bit down, not feeling their best, or could use a pick me up. That person was immediately uplifted a few notches, and Al would then unfurl a story with an underlying theme of ‘it’s a good day to be alive, regardless of the s***storm that may be swirling about’. He’d turn the beat around. A positive psychological warrior out there doing the good work. “There are few souls who embody compassion and love like my beloved Rev. I ache to lose him. And will treasure him always. And so I read and remember his last words to me. “My cup of love for you is never half full. It always overflows. Til we meet again, Rev” Nancy Karl, Integratron May his lessons in love live on inside all who knew the Rev. Barnett English 11/15/23